The Shield of Azunai
The Shield of Azunai was a mighty artifact forged by the Agallan giants for a Human warrior named Azunai. Azunai journeyed into the Agallan Peaks and sought out the legendary race, convincing them to forge the Shield in order to counter the terrifying power of the Sword of Zaramoth.
When Azunai and Zaramoth finally clashed, the meeting of these two artifacts sparked the First Cataclysm, killing them both and changing the face of Aranna. The wasteland where this battle took place would be known forevermore as the 'Plain of Tears'.
The Sword had shattered the Shield when they connected, and it was split into four perfect pieces, each marked by an ancient Azunite symbol. Over the centuries, these pieces, known as the four Aegis, would be found and closely guarded by those who sought to protect them.
The Four Aegis[]
The Aegis artifacts were named for the Azunite symbols that they bore on their face. They were scattered across the world by time, and the powers they were said to possess became the stuff of legend.
The Aegis of Life[]
Discovered by the Sea-Elves of Greilyn Isle, the Aegis of Life was kept within the Temple of the Coast. When the Dryads came to the island, they discovered the artifact within the ancient shrine, and watched over it at the urging of Elves from the mainland. The Aegis is said to grant the wielder powers over life itself, allowing the Elves of yore to augment their natural lifespans, the Dryads to grow the mighty trees of Eirulan, and the tyrant, Valdis, to raise the dead.
The Aegis of Death[]
Found by a scholar on the Plain of Tears and given to the Elves of Aman'lu for safe-keeping, the Aegis of Death was kept within a vault located beneath the town. A guild of Elven mages, known as the Manu Ostar, used the Aegis in their rituals, using its powers over death to strengthen their own magic. During one such ritual, the spell backfired, causing the Manu Ostar to decay without dying. The guild was exiled, and the Aegis was forbidden to be used ever again.
The Aegis of Blindness[]
Uncovered in the Northern Reaches, the Aegis of Blindness was kept within the heavily-guarded vaults of Snowbrook Haven.
The Aegis of Sight[]
Discovered by the Humans of Kalrathia soon after the battle that broke the Shield, the Aegis of Sight was kept within the confines of the city. It is rumored that the Aegis has the ability to grant visions of possible futures to those who open their mind to it. This power is incredibly useful to those faced with a decision to make, but has proven to be detrimental to those with weak wills in the past, even driving some insane.